Is Bronchiectasis widely researched?
No – because up until relatively recently bronchiectasis was not thought to be very prevalent. However, it is now recognised that the prevalence is greater than previously thought and it may be that much goes undiagnosed – or mis-diagnosed.
What are the Implications?
Most current treatment is not founded on well-established research studies but rather upon clinical observation. The growing number of patients in NHS Lothian clinics provides an excellent opportunity to carry out research trials and most patients willingly take part in the studies. The research is both clinical and laboratory based.
Nature of Research
We started with largely proof of concept studies, which is taking ideas and seeing whether they work in small scale. We now increasingly undertake larger scale trials across wider groupings of patients (UK and worldwide) to establish such treatments as more generally acceptable.
More immediately studies increase the prospect of better treatments being available quicker to patients at clinics which is a key aim of this work.
Our Research Team
We are a team led by Prof Hill and comprise 3 nurses, a clinical trial assistant and our post doctoral researcher, we are embedded in and supported by the clinical Bronchiectasis service throughout NHS Lothian. Our focus with Professor Hill is both commercial and academic studies for the treatment of bronchiectasis and infection.
